Puzzle Map Solutions

ABSTRACT

A method is disclosed that provides a solution to any two-dimensional jigsaw puzzle, through the preferred embodiment of the Puzzle Map/key, a separate document from the puzzle that can be referenced to find the exact location of any puzzle piece by matching the number or symbol on the backside piece of the puzzle, to its same identified piece on the Puzzle Map/key, which depicts a frontside view of all the numbered pieces in the puzzle. The back-of-the-puzzle grid is a key component of the Map/key, enabling the identification of every puzzle piece to be inscribed with a unique number or symbol. The Map/key places the energy and time spent on puzzle completion into the hands of the consumer by providing the option of using this piece by piece, frontside method for jigsaw puzzle completion.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable

STATEMENT REGUARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

THE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

Not Applicable

INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC OR AS A TEXT FILE VIA THE OFFICE ELECTRONIC FILING SYSTEM (EFS-WEB)

Not Applicable

STATEMENT REGARDING PRIOR DISCLOSURES BY THE INVENTOR OR A JOINT INVENTOR

Not applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Origin—The history of the jigsaw puzzle dates back as far as 1760, when a British engraver and cartographer engraved a wooden puzzle of a world map and created a puzzle as an aid to learning geography. Jig saw puzzles have continued to grow and flourish as a popular pastime and predate the currently popular time-consuming puzzles such as crosswords, Sudoku, cryptograms, etc., which are daily challenges for many puzzle aficionados. These and many other puzzles have the solutions either included in a solutions page or section, or promised on the following day or week making such puzzles more popular, doable, and fun. Jigsaw puzzles could also have a method for a solution for the consumer, especially in view of the difficulty of the challenges posed by jigsaw puzzles in attaining their completion. This Puzzle Map solution is conceived as a viable solution, providing a method for the consumer to have a solution in hand to ensure completion of any jigsaw puzzle which is accompanied by a separate document from the puzzle i.e., a puzzle map or key, that is the preferred embodiment of this solution.

(1) Field of the Invention

The field of the invention pertains to two-dimensional jigsaw puzzles (A63F9/10, which are puzzles consisting of pieces that are to be fitted together to form a two-dimensional object) and more specifically to a method for solving jigsaw puzzles through the preferred embodiment of an apparatus, being a puzzle map, which is a separate and distinct document that provides a key to the placement of any and all piece(s) of a puzzle, into their exact and correct location(s) for the jigsaw puzzle for which it is intended, in order to complete the puzzle. In addition, the method of compilation, distribution and manufacture of such a map document is set forth in the description of this invention which may apply to any and all conventional two dimensional jigsaw puzzles which are available for distribution to the public who wish to compile one puzzle picture onto a planar surface of any material, by connecting many interlocking puzzle pieces whose boundaries fit uniquely and exactly together to form the completed puzzle.

Field of Search: U.S. Patent Documents Table Document # Status Name CPC class US Class US-19774026559 NA Carlton A63F9/10 273/157R US-20090130436 NA Harada C23C4/11 428/332 US-20130218318 NA Kordana G06F30/00 700/117 US-20140109756 NA Aghajanian C04B41/009 89/36.02 US-20140109756 NA Weed A63F3/0478 463/9 US-20110031689 NA Binder A63F9/1011 273/157R US-20160379503 NA Skeete A63F9/24 273/157R US-20050167913 NA Mucci A63/F9/10 273/157R US-19925104125 NA Wilson A63F9/12 273/157R US-20046364116 NA Ng; A63F9/1044 206/579 Kai-Man US-20148628088 NA Sakdinan; A63F9/1044 273/157R Sunt US-20128235207 NA Dietenberger A63F9/1288 206/ 315.1 US-19975651547 NA Rannelli A63F9/1044 273/157R US-19884792138 NA Watkins A63F3/00 273/148R US-20148695980 NA Gonter A63F9/0803 273/155 US-20060261547 NA Uzuanis A63F9/12 273/157R U.S. Pat. No. 5,624,118-A NA Gottesman A63F9/1044 273/157R U.S. Pat. No. 5,062,637 NA Bianchi A63F9/10 273/157R U.S. Pat. No. 5,332,220 NA Leavy A63F9/1044 273/148R US-20060261547 NA Gonter A63F9/0803 273/157R U.S. Pat. No. 7,658,781-B1 NA Waggoner C04B35/565 428/ 539.5 U.S. Pat. No. 8,128,861-B1 NA Aghajanian CO4B35/563 264/682

(2) A Description of the Related Art

Discloses a number of inventions which comprehend an improvement to, or variation of, the jigsaw puzzle experience. However, there was not observed any invention that was similar to the invention of the puzzle map or key which is herein presented.

For example, a puzzle transport and/or storage device (Rannelli, U.S. Pat. No. 5,651,547); Dietenberger (U.S. Pat. No. 8,235,207); and a workstation and puzzle storage system (Gottesman U.S. Pat. No. 5,624,118) are described. A puzzle board, (Carlton, U.S. Pat. No. 4,026,559) and a piece organizer with trays (Leavy, U.S. Pat. No. 5,332,220) are presented.

Unique 3D Puzzle configurations are presented by Wilson (U.S. Pat. No. 5,104,125), Sakdinan (U.S. Pat. No. 8,628,088) and Skeetes (U.S. patent Ser. No. 03/795,030) and a 3-piece non-conventional puzzle by Uzuanis, (U.S. Pat. No. 75,086,872).

Puzzle game systems include those designed to be educational in form (Weed, U.S. Pat. No. 0,206,423); competitive with scoring systems (Watkins. U.S. Pat. No. 4,792,138); US Pat. No. 20060290055); and a puzzle memory and assembly game, (Matilla; Blagg U.S. Pat. No. 7,530,573); a puzzle game system, Bianchi U.S. Pat. No. 5,062,637; and a sports themed data based puzzle board game, (Kordana, U.S. Pat. No. 0,218,318).

A weave puzzle is a unique concept that has the completion of the puzzle accomplished by successful placement of printed strips (Gonter, U.S. Pat. No. 9,605,980) and also described is a puzzle with a conductive path which is unique (Binder, U.S. Pat. No. 8,602,833) however, neither with a similarity to the proposed application herein, and most being related to puzzles; however, not similar to the method presented herein.

Mucci (U.S. Pat. No. 0,167,913) has a similarity in that one of the intentions of this invention is to provide a means to assist in puzzle completion and the numbers on the back of the puzzle assist in that puzzle's location recognition; however, that resulting product and process is significantly different from the Puzzle Map herein presented. The Puzzle Map is a key which is the preferred embodiment of a method for providing a solution to be used by the consumer to assist in resolving any jigsaw puzzle that is produced. The following differences are pointed out:

-   1. The primary difference of this Puzzle Map solution, from Mucci's     presentation, is the comprehension in this application of a separate     Puzzle Map apparatus as the preferred embodiment of a method that     provides a solution to the successful completion of any jigsaw     puzzle, as well as a methodology for producing the same. There is no     separate Map document in the Mucci disclosure. A separate Map     apparatus is necessary and essential to providing a frontside or     pictureside mechanism for puzzle resolution which is a major     difference from the Mucci presentment in form and utility. -   2. Numbering: As in the Mucci presentment, the Puzzle Map does     include numbers on the back of the puzzle pieces for initial     identification; however, these numbers are further related to and     essential in determining the numbers to be included on a separate     Puzzle Map document, which is the embodiment of this invention that     provides a method for puzzle resolution. Further, the scheme of     numbers on the Mucci presentment differs markedly from the     presentation of numbers and shapes comprising the Puzzle Map key.     The Mucci scheme of numbers is provided solely on the back of the     puzzle pieces as the total mechanism of search aid. Further, in     Mucci's claim, the composition and numerical scheme on the back of     the puzzle offers only one “numerical organizational scheme . . .     with the puzzle piece in the upper right hand corner having the     Arabic numerical 1 on its rear side” and with the sequence order     resulting from that numerical placement being its only presentment;     this differs from the back-of-the-puzzle grid for the puzzle map     which displays random and varying organizational schemes as a     characteristic in giving the map or key versatility in form for a     variation in predictability and the level of challenge presented to     the puzzler. -   3. The unique scheme of the numbers on the Map: The Puzzle Map     contains the numbers of each and every piece of the puzzle     representing its exact location on the front of the puzzle, which is     also the picture side and working side of the puzzle plane. The     order of the numbers and representation of the puzzle shapes on the     Map, is not the same as in the Mucci presentment, which depicts a     number scheme on the back of the puzzle as the only method for     puzzle search assistance. Therefore, the numbers on the Puzzle Map     are not a copy nor a representation of the back of the puzzle     numbers presented by Mucci. The numbers on the Puzzle Map are in the     opposite sequence of the numbers on the back of the puzzle aide     offered by Mucci, and comprise a mirror image of the numbers on the     back of the puzzle; the shapes also correspond to the shapes as seen     from the front of the puzzle, not the back as in Mucci's     presentment, making the schematic of the numbers on the Puzzle Map     different in the presentation of numbers and shapes from the scheme     presented by the Mucci invention. This difference is required to     provide a Puzzle Map solution that identifies by number, the     location of each piece of the puzzle on the frontside or picture     side of the puzzle. -   4. The process differences: The major differences in process from     the solution offered by the Puzzle Map herein presented are     significant:     -   (1) Lacks continuity with the front-side puzzle completion         process: The regular puzzle completion process begins by turning         all puzzle pieces in the box over to their front or picture side         and commencing to match all pieces based on the ability of the         puzzler to decipher the location to its exact match. All work in         connecting the puzzle pieces, therefore, commences on the front         or picture side of the puzzle plane. This separate Puzzle Map is         the key to the ability to assist in the full completion of a         puzzle, one piece at a time, enabling a continuation of the         picture-side completion process with the least disruption. In         contrast, Mucci's presentation enables the puzzle assistance to         be provided by working only with the backside of the puzzle         pieces and connecting the backsides of puzzle pieces together,         to join recognized groups, colors or numbers before added to the         puzzle at hand in a process that must be completed in advance         and flipped over, to join the primary puzzle on which one is         working. Thus, such a process as presented by Mucci, is provided         with a degree of disruption and separation from the regular         puzzle process of connecting puzzle pieces. In contrast, any         piece or pieces can be placed correctly by referring to the         separate Puzzle Map key for determination of its exact location         in the puzzle while still working from the front-of-the-puzzle         or picture-side planar surface. For this major attribute to be         realized, a separate Puzzle Map is required.     -   (2) Major separation and disruption from regular puzzle         completion processes: Mucci's claim is that the numerical         sequence on the back of the puzzle can be identified and used to         construct the entire puzzle by matching the numbers from the         first to the last piece following the number sequence; however         one must recognize that his presentment is performed on the         backside of the puzzle plane only, by matching numbers in         sequence. It follows that the Mucci product no longer follows a         typical puzzle completion process that is dependent on the         picture and puzzle skills resulting in exact puzzle matches, but         instead is more an accomplishment of fitting together a series         of numbers on the backsides of the puzzle pieces, and when         completed, turning them over depicting an entire puzzle. This is         more of a numerical match experience, and takes one completely         away from the puzzle experience otherwise conducted on the front         puzzle plane, and away from the challenge of using skills in         discerning like shapes, colors, and picture representations of         the puzzle front plane, which provides the bulk of the enjoyment         and challenge of the puzzle experience. The puzzle assistance         provided by the puzzle map and key, being a separate document,         is provided one piece at a time, and can be referred to when         needed in attempting to deal with particularly problematic         pieces one must place correctly onto the puzzle on the front of         the puzzle plane. One need only refer to the puzzle map, when         needed or wanted and the map can assist in making the puzzle         experience positive and enjoyable.     -   (3) Resolution of placement of individual puzzle pieces:         difficult and/or disruptive Further, one cannot use Mucci's         apparatus for assisting in the process of resolving the puzzle         placement of a specific, difficult puzzle piece connection,         without possible serious disruption to the regular puzzle         completion process which is a connection of pieces, in a piece         by piece process to be ensued on the front of the picture puzzle         plane. Finding the exact matching location for one piece         requires that the piece to be attached to its adjacent piece,         and in the Mucci presentment involves upending possible matching         pieces to view their backside numbers in order to find the         backside number that matches the one piece. This piece to be         found may be in the group of pieces still on the table to be         placed or they may have already been placed successfully in a         partially completed puzzle; however, in either scenario, this         causes a disruption that requires upending pieces to view their         corresponding backsides numbers and replacing any pieces upended         that are already part of the puzzle, until the adjacent puzzle         match to a piece is located in this manner.     -   (4) Resolution of placement of individual pieces by serial         reference: Another possibility that Mucci explains, is to find         an exact match by determining where the number on the back of         the puzzle piece fits into the pattern of the series of numbers         on the back of the puzzle plane. For the placement of any piece,         this can only be helpful to providing a match, if one estimates         or calculates its location by counting its place within the         serial sequence of the back of the puzzle plane. Because the         sequence is placed on the back of the puzzle plane, it is         difficult to decipher the location of a piece within the series,         by one solving the puzzle on its front side or regular planar         working surface. Further, any attempts to detect the location         from the serial pattern for any piece, is made more difficult or         almost impossible to calculate, for a puzzle that is partially         completed because the number of pieces between already solved         pieces cannot easily be determined, and therefore counted, in         calculating the series placement. Even if accomplished, the         pieces represented by the backside numbers, are not in the same         location as on the front of the puzzle, but in an opposite         location. Instead, the puzzle map or key provides an immediate         solution to finding the exact location of any piece needing         placement assistance simply by viewing the number/symbol on the         back of the piece, matching that number to the numbered piece on         the map, and easily seeing its exact corresponding location on         the puzzle being resolved.     -   The search assistance provided by the Mucci method, considering         the processes involved, is much more limited in scope and         difficult to accomplish than by finding the proper location of         any piece using the Puzzle Map, through which the exact location         of any numbered piece is immediately evident on the Map and its         corresponding location on the front plane of the puzzle. The         Mucci presentment is also set forth as a game plan for several         persons and is most appropriate in the manner prescribed for         game schemes. -   5. Variations in the numbers on the back of the puzzle are a     characteristic of the puzzle map, unlike the Mucci claim, which     describes “A jigsaw puzzle having a numerical organizational scheme     . . . with the puzzle piece in the right hand corner having the     Arabic numeral number 1” and the resultant series in one serial     order carefully explained ending the last number being in the “lower     most left hand corner”. Unlike the Mucci order of the numbers on the     backside, the Map numbers grid on the back-of-the-puzzle can start     with any number in either the top left or top right starting serial     position, be ordered left to right or right to left, or be ordered     in a fully or partially random scheme. The numbers on the backs of     the puzzles can also be in different positions i.e., right side up,     sideways, upside-down, slanting right or left, and in any     arrangement, random or ordered. This variation makes the map/key     varied and less predictable, yet still containing a correct location     of every piece of the puzzle on the puzzle map or key. As explained     in the detailed description, the order and presentation of the     numbers on the back of the puzzle represent schemes that provide     different levels of assistance to the puzzler and the manufacturer.     Further, the puzzle map or key is an opposite or mirror-image     representation of the numbers embedded on the backs of each piece.

This puzzle map is the key to the ability to assist in the full completion of any puzzle, with the least disruption to the puzzle completion process by the consumer. Another primary difference between the Puzzle Map Solutions method and the other inventions searched including that of the Mucci presentation, is that the preferred embodiment of the Puzzle Map presents a scheme that in its use and intended application, relates to and can serve to benefit any and all jigsaw puzzles produced, by providing a Puzzle Map frontside solution for the placement of each and every piece of all jigsaw puzzles in the least disruptive manner in the completion process, as well as maximizing consumer choice in the level of assistance to be provided by the puzzle map, that can be further determined by the different arrangement of numbers implanted on the back of the puzzle. These attributes are not offered in any of the above inventions as are presented in the Puzzle Map Solution herein.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

What is missing in the conception of jigsaw puzzle completion, is a presence of a solution to aid in the completion of puzzles, recognizing the difficulty and immensity of energy, time and skill required for resolution of many of the existing puzzles. This lack of a method to provide assistance for puzzle resolution, is addressed by this presentment of a Puzzle Map Solution.

Objectives and advantages: The Puzzle Map Solution has the primary objective of presenting a unique method for the solution to jigsaw puzzle resolution through the preferred embodiment of a puzzle map, being a separate document serving as a key, which provides the scheme enabling one to determine the exact location of any puzzle piece to its correct location within the puzzle. To distinguish the use of the term “map,” which for puzzles, is also a term to relate to geographical maps or maps that describe a particular form or format for puzzle games, hereinafter the “map” described in this presentment, will be referred to as “map/key.”

This puzzle map/key provides the consumer with the information she/he needs and/or desires, in guiding any one puzzle piece to its exact location within the puzzle, by matching the number on the back of the puzzle piece in hand, to its exact location on the map/key. The map/key document consists of a frontside representation of all the puzzle pieces in their respective places in a completed puzzle, identifying each puzzle piece representation by its backside number. By viewing the location of the number on the map/key which corresponds to its exact location on the puzzle being resolved, one can find the exact location of any piece in the puzzle at hand.

Having the solution available, opens the door to more consumers being interested in doing puzzles and thus, increasing sales and marketing opportunities. For puzzlers who have a timeframe in which to complete a puzzle, such as a week's vacation or getaway, the map/key is ideal. It is also a means to know that once a piece has been connected, it is in the right place, thus confirming a proper connection. The frustration of having to deal with unsolvable matches is a reason for the frustration resulting in abandoning a puzzle or not attempting them again. There will be fewer lost puzzle pieces because the solution time is reduced. The map solution provides assistance in the process of puzzle completion and a guarantee that the puzzle can be completed. Reducing the seeming waste of time and effort required for puzzle resolution, especially for those that cannot be completed, and increasing the fun and likelihood of completion as a family or individual project, is most invaluable.

Another objective is to provide a method that is not disruptive to the regular puzzle completion process. Since the puzzle map/key, is a depiction of the front or picture side location of all pieces of the puzzle, its use enables the puzzler to continue with the puzzle matches one piece at a time on its frontside planar working surface, and to reference the puzzle map/key when needed to deal with a particular problematic piece or pieces. This frontside presentation of both the puzzle and the puzzle map/key, eliminates or reduces any disruption that is due to the need to overturn any parts of a puzzle, (as in the Mucci presentment) especially when one is working with a puzzle which contains pieces that are already matched. Working to resolve a major part of the puzzle from the backside as the only mechanism of the puzzle search process, takes one away from the puzzle experience of using skills to discern pictures, shapes, and colors and to notice how the complete puzzle is improved by each puzzle piece connected, bringing one closer to the goal of completion.

Another objective of the Puzzle Map/key Solution is to increase the availability of a solution for any jigsaw puzzle, to more persons. Having a solution that is included at the point of purchase and readily available to the consumer offers potential to increase the popularity and therefore the sales of jigsaw puzzles. The versatility of the puzzle map/key lies in its characteristic of being a separate document easily included with any puzzle box or container purchase that can be viewed as an additional bonus to the consumer. In addition the availability of the puzzle maps can be effected through other mediums such as computer, telephone, television or mail, with a potential for marketing and sales opportunities for current and future puzzlers in view of the advantages disclosed.

Yet another objective of the Map/key solution is to maintain the challenge of puzzle completion and to emphasize the role of the consumer in determining the level of assistance to be provided. The puzzle map/key does not make the completion of the puzzle either easy or obvious in the process of completion to a whole puzzle. Even with the puzzle map/key available, the completion of the puzzle itself is a major challenge and it is up to the consumer to refer to the puzzle map/key as often as needed or not at all. Further, all assistance from the map/key is offered one piece at a time in the known and usual process of puzzle completion, i.e., finding an exact match to an adjacent puzzle piece for each and every puzzle piece until a whole puzzle picture is attained. The challenge of the puzzle completion still remains intact with the puzzler in complete control of the level of assistance. One can use the map/key for every piece, or not at all.

In addition the puzzle map/key has the potential to connect consumers, by computer, mail, or by telephone, to the provision of information to enable them to find the location of a difficult piece or pieces that are a barrier to their ability to finish the puzzle, since any producer of puzzle map/keys will have the answer to the location of pieces for any of their puzzles for any numbered piece. Thus, such assistance provides an additional service to the consumer seeking puzzle piece search assistance, who may not have a map/key in hand.

The aforementioned advantages and objectives of the use of the puzzle map/key are a result of the overall intent of this invention i.e., to provide a method to reach a solution to the completion of any jigsaw puzzle, which is easily accessible to the consumer, thus increasing consumer interest, increasing marketability and sales; and improving the jigsaw puzzle experience by enhancing its aspects of being doable, achievable, enjoyable, and satisfying to the puzzle consumer.

Description of the invention: The puzzle map/key is the preferred embodiment of this invention, which provides a key or solution to completing any two-dimensional jigsaw puzzle. There are two sides of the puzzle plane which are referenced several times: (1) the top-side or picture-side of the puzzle plane or puzzle pieces also referred to as the front-of-the puzzle or puzzle plane and (2) the bottom-side or the back-of-the-puzzle plane or pieces, which in its normal state is plain and without design. The puzzle map/key scheme is composed of shape representations of the picture-side pieces of the puzzle at hand, as well as a front-side identification of the back-side number of each piece; together these numbers and shape representations comprise the layout of the puzzle Map/key.

There are three components to the Puzzle Map Solution, which are relevant to its production:

-   -   1. Identification of all pieces of the puzzle on their         backsides: Each piece has a unique identifying number or symbol         on its backside. Maps can use numbers, letters or other symbols         to comprise the grids required for the puzzle map/key; the use         of symbols as identifiers can add fun and variety to the process         of puzzle completion, for example, different emojis can         represent the various pieces. Themed or general sports symbols         are another example, such as logos for the different teams of         all sports. For simplicity, this application will refer to         numbers as the identifying character in its explanation of the         puzzle map/key as the preferred embodiment. These numbers can be         in any order, random or ordered and in varying positions;         however, for this presentment, the diagrams will show primarily         numbers in serial order for ease in explanation of the puzzle         map/key compilation process.     -   2. Creation of a grid of the back-of-the-puzzle numbers: Each         back-of-the-puzzle piece, is inscribed with numbers and when         viewed in their entirety on the back-of-the-puzzle plane,         comprise a grid of numbers, with each number within the grid         placed in the center of the space representative of the puzzle         piece. In this presentment, this grid forms the pattern on a         document that would be implanted on the back of the puzzle at         the point before cutting and pressing the puzzle into pieces of         the jigsaw puzzle.     -   3. Creation of a Puzzle Map/key: Since the puzzle numbers on the         back-of-the-puzzle are identified on the puzzle map/key, they         must be included on the map/key. The map/key is a paper document         separate from, and related to, the puzzle for which it is         created. It is a front-side, or picture-side depiction of all         the puzzle pieces that comprise the puzzle. Each piece         representation on the map/key includes an identifying number or         symbol which is the backside identifier of the puzzle piece.         Map/keys can use number, letters, or other symbols to comprise         the grids required for the Puzzle Map; however, this application         will refer to numbers as the identifying character in its         explanation of the Puzzle Map solution, which will most likely         be the most common identifier used. A grid of backside numbers         is required for the full representation of those numbers, which         is identified as the back-of-the-puzzle grid. The grid for the         puzzle map/key is composed of the numbers on the back of the         puzzle; however, in order to have a frontside depiction of those         numbers imprinted on the map/key for the pieces that correspond         to the frontside picture of the puzzle at hand, the pieces in         the map/key grid must be ordered in the opposite direction of         the grid representing the back-of-the-puzzle numbers. For         example, if the numbers on the back-of-the-puzzle grid are in         ascending order from left to right beginning with the top left         first number being 1, e.g., 1.2.3.4.5.6.7.8.9.10. then the         numbers comprising the puzzle map/key grid starting from the top         left of the grid would be 10.9.8.7.6.5.4.3.2.1. This puzzle         map/key then, is a representation of an opposing or mirror image         of the back-of-the-puzzle grid of numbers which differs in         presentation of shapes, utility, and numbers in its comparison         to the back of the puzzle scheme presented by Mucci. This mirror         image of the back of the puzzle numbers compiles the grid for         the puzzle map/key, which represents a picture-side, working         side and front-of-the-puzzle numbered grid document.

In summary, the Puzzle Map/key, a document separate from the puzzle being resolved, contains numbers that show the exact location of each puzzle piece on the puzzle. The map/key is a presentation of all the pieces of the puzzle on its front or picture-side plane. The backside number of every puzzle piece is also inscribed on each puzzle piece on the map/key. This map/key provides the puzzler with the information she/he desires in locating any one piece as to its exact location within the puzzle, by matching the number on its backside, to the piece location on the map/key which has the same identifying number, and which corresponds to its exact location on the front of the puzzle.

The puzzle map/key depicts the front-of-the-puzzle view, so that it can serve as a key to locating any puzzle piece situated on the front side of the puzzle. Since the regular puzzle completion activity starts and ends by looking at the picture on the front of the puzzle piece to attain matches for a whole picture that is on the front of the puzzle, there is minimal disruption to the puzzle completion process by using the map/key. Further, the level of assistance provided by the puzzle map is determined by the owner of the puzzle who may use it for a few or many pieces, or may not wish to use it at all or make available for the use of others.

The puzzle map or key is amenable to large scale production, almost as easily produced as puzzles with pictures. It is amenable to any puzzle process which cuts out individual pieces from a single source sheet, with minimal costs to incorporate. The process is efficient and the means to produce the Maps can be utilized for thousands of puzzles. Puzzle Maps can be produced therefore with maximum applicability and minimal cost, explained in the detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

Three separate puzzles are represented: Puzzle #1 named as FIG. 1, Puzzle #2 named as FIG. 2, and Puzzle #3 named as FIG. 3, with each drawing showing examples of variations in puzzle map/key number schemes, shapes, or development. The drawings consist primarily of diagrams of (1) the back-of-the-puzzle grids and components and (2) the puzzle map/key grids and components. The presentation of examples is intended to clarify and explain the invention as herein presented and does not limit the puzzle map/keys nor their components to the examples provided, since the map/key can be composed of any number or symbol scheme which produces the apparatus of the map/key and its key component, the back-of-the puzzle grid, in the manner so described to attain a successful jigsaw puzzle completion for jigsaw puzzles of any number of pieces, shapes and sizes.

The puzzle map/key is a separate apparatus from the actual (1) top-side or front-side plane and (2) back-side or bottom-side plane comprising the puzzles. The back-of-the-puzzle discussions are in reference to its role in the creation of a puzzle map/key. The puzzle map/key is a presentation of the preferred embodiment of the method of jigsaw puzzle resolution as presented herein. Its layout of all pieces within the puzzle is the same as the picture-side or front-side view of the puzzle; however, included for each piece on the map/key, is an identifying number derived from the backside of that piece. It is a one-sided document with only a top plane, containing a scheme of numbers that serves as a key and reference for puzzle completion.

Only one picture of the frontside puzzle plane with picture is presented (FIG. 1A) because it is an essential component of the invention, since the aim of the solution offered by this presentment is to achieve a complete frontside picture puzzle. By viewing the picture included, one can see that the puzzle map/key represents a frontside view of the shapes of pieces of an actual puzzle. There are numerous references to the picture side plane of the puzzle; however, further depictions of the puzzle pictures is understood, and does not increase an understanding of this presentment.

A listing of the diagrams is provided with descriptive titles is as follows:

-   1. FIG. 1A—Depiction of the picture-side plane of the puzzle #1,     showing the actual puzzle upon which FIGS. 1B through 1I, are     based. P. 1/19 -   2. FIG. 1B—Backside plane of the puzzle #1, numbered by hand P. 2/19 -   3. FIG. 1C—Puzzle Map/key for puzzle #1, numbered by hand P. 3/19 -   4. FIG. 1D—Back of the Puzzle #1, shapes only P. 4/19 -   5. FIG. 1E—Back of Puzzle #1, w/computer #d grid P. 5/19 -   6. FIG. 1F—Back of Puzzle #1, w/computer grid #s on shapes P. 6/19 -   7. FIG. 1G—Front of Picture Puzzle #1 shapes, for map/key P. 7/19 -   8. FIG. 1H—Computer grid of puzzle #1, matching FIG. 1G shapes P.     8/19 -   9. FIG. 1(I)—Puzzle Map/key with Computer #s on FIG. 1G shapes P.     9/19 -   10. FIG. 2A—Back of Puzzle #2, with computer #s on die pattern     P.10/19 -   11. FIG. 2B—Puzzle #2 Map/key, with back-of-the-puzzle #s on     front-of-the puzzle map/key pieces P.11/19 -   12. FIG. 2C—Back-of-the-Puzzle #2 grid with partial random #s     P.12/19 -   13. FIG. 2D—Puzzle #2 Map/key, computer grid with partial random #s     P.13/19 -   14. FIG. 2E—Back-of-the-Puzzle #2 computer grid, Full random #s     P.14/19 -   15. FIG. 2F—Map/key Puzzle #2, computer grid, Full random #s P.15/19 -   16. FIG. 3A—Back-of-the-Puzzle Numbers Grid, for Puzzle #3; with no     grid lines used in sealing the back grid document to the bottom of     the puzzle. P.16/19 -   17. FIG. 3B—Top left section of FIG. 3A comprised of 30 of the 200     grid cell representations beginning with cell #1. Pictured cells     represent the actual grid size of the pieces included in Puzzle #3     in FIG. 3C and FIG. 3D. P.17/19 -   18. FIG. 3C—Puzzle #3 Map/key with computer #s grid for     front-of-the-puzzle plane pieces represented in block form. P.18/19 -   19. FIG. 3D—Puzzle Map/key with the numbered pieces in the same     location and shapes as the pieces on the front plane of Puzzle     Number #3. P.19/19

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Puzzle #1—100-piece puzzle, 7″×9″, Source: Ceaco, 70 Bridge Rd, Newton, Mass. 02457, c 2015 Ceaco, Americana, Picture 9

FIG. 1A—Shown is the frontside view of a hand-numbered, 2-dimensional puzzle 4 comprised of 100 puzzle pieces with each piece 3 having a front or top side 1 and back or bottom side 2. The total number of front side pieces joined together comprise the front-of-the-puzzle plane 4, referred to as the front-side plane or planar surface; the working side plane or planar surface; or the picture-side plane or planar surface. The backsides of the puzzle pieces 2 when joined together to complete the backside of the puzzle 9, comprise the bottom-side plane or planar surface or the backside plane or planar surface; or the back-of-the-puzzle plane or planar surface.

FIG. 1-B— Shown is the backside plane 9 of the puzzle 4 comprising a grid of back-of-the-puzzle numbered pieces. Each piece 8 has a front-side or picture-side of the puzzle on its rear 7 and a back side of the puzzle 6, being the face-side in this depiction of the back side of the puzzle. With all 100 individual pieces 8 joined together, the backside plane of the puzzle 9 is depicted. The puzzle pieces are identified with numbers from 1-100, each piece identified by its own unique number 10. The puzzle is shown in its most basic form, being numbered by hand.

FIG. 1C—Shown is a Puzzle map/key 14 which is a separate and accompanying document for the puzzle #1 (4). The puzzle map/key is comprised of the total number of joined pieces 12, which are in the same position and forming the same piece configuration, as the front-side puzzle plane 4, with numbers identifying each puzzle piece 13. For example, on the map/key 14 the #4 piece 13 has the same shape as the same number #4 piece 5 on the back of the puzzle plane 9; however, its location and direction of the shape is different. Notice that the same #4 piece 13 on the puzzle map/key 14 has exactly the same shape and location as the #4 piece 3 pictured on the actual puzzle front plane 4. The placement of the numbered pieces on the Puzzle Map/key 14 is different than the placement of those same numbered pieces on the back of the puzzle; they are placed in an opposing order from the numbers on the backside plane 9. Viewing the numbers on the back of the puzzle 9, one can notice that the top row is numbered 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, from left to right. The numbers on the Puzzle Map/key 14 from left to right on the top row are in opposite sequence being 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 and this sequence for both puzzles is repeated for all the rows. The placement of the numbers on the Puzzle Map/key 14 differs from that of the back-of-the-puzzle plane 9. Likewise the shape structure for the corresponding numbers also differs in its location on the Map/key compared to its location on the back of the Puzzle because each piece with the same corresponding number, represents a puzzle piece with the same shape but in a different location and facing in an opposite direction, e.g., the #18 piece 15 is located on the top far left, second row of the puzzle map/key 14 and its corresponding #18 piece 10 is located on the top far right of the back-of-the puzzle plane 9. Because of this difference in placement of the pieces 12 on the Puzzle Map/key 14 as compared to the back-of-the-Puzzle pieces 8, it cannot be said that the Puzzle Map/key numbers grid 14 are the same as the back-of-the-puzzle numbers grid 9. Although the numbers in both grids are the same numbers in value, the pieces compiling the two grids differ from each other in location, direction, medium, and utility of function. The difference is significant, in that this difference in sequence between the Map plane 14 and the back of the puzzle plane 9, enables the Puzzle Map 14 to represent an exact likeness in piece shape and location, as the front of the puzzle picture plane 4. This can be shown by viewing the piece #18 piece in its location in the Puzzle 4 (15), in the same exact shape and location as on the Puzzle Map/key 14 i.e., at the top far left, second row 15. This exact likeness in location and shape representation makes the Puzzle Map/key an ideal embodiment for providing a frontside key and reference that assists in locating every piece 3 or pieces in the puzzle 4 as needed to complete the puzzle.

FIG. 1D—Shown is a depiction of the back-of-the-puzzle plane, with shapes and no numbers 17 for puzzle #1 (4). This is the back-of-the-puzzle planar surface 17 that is created when one completes a puzzle by connecting each puzzle piece 19 to its adjacent match 16 on the front or pictures side 18 of the puzzle. The puzzle pieces with no numbers 16 together with all pieces 19 completely assembled, is a depiction of the back of the puzzle shapes prior to numbers being embedded on each of the pieces 17. This illustrates one stage of the production of puzzle map/keys, as the numbers being placed on the back of the puzzle pieces must occur for identification of each puzzle piece.

FIG. 1E—Shown is a grid of numbers 20 representing the puzzle pieces on the backside plane 17 and produced by the computer by measuring the sizes of the puzzle pieces 19 and using those measurements to produce a grid of numbers in block form 20 conforming to the back-of-the-puzzle shape grid sizes 17. Most jigsaw puzzle are comprised of shapes that are in rows 21 and columns 22 of the same size in height and width, that can be represented in a block pattern 20 consisting of cells 25 whose sizes are measured or calculated. (as shown in FIG. 3B). Numbers to be inscribed on the back of the puzzle pieces can be entered on the computer by filling in those same cells 25 with numbers 23 in the center of the cell area. Minor differences in placement can be adjusted by lowering the numbers 24 a or raising them 24 b to ensure all numbers can be fit on the back-of-the-puzzle shapes plane 17. This grid of back-of-the-puzzle numbers 20 is the pattern (without grid lines) that is sealed over the back of the puzzle when the puzzle is one piece, with a picture on the front-side of the puzzle and the back-of-the-puzzle grid 20 on the bottom side of the puzzle before being pressed into pieces.

FIG. 1F—Shown is the completed back-of-the-puzzle grid 26 onto which the numbers 23 comprising the numbers grid 20 have been placed onto the back-of-the-puzzle shapes grid plane 17. The front side of these grid numbers 29 represent the back-of-the-puzzle numbered pieces. On the reverse side of these grid pieces 27 are the front of the puzzle or picture side of those pieces 28. In the process of producing puzzles, this numbers grid 26 is a representation of the back of the puzzle appearance after it is cut into the exact shapes pictured in this grid, and before the pieces are begun to be separated for inclusion into packaging for consumption. Each cut piece will have the inscribed number on its backside and a part of the picture of the puzzle on its frontside.

FIG. 1G—Shown is the front of the puzzle shapes grid without numbers 30, which will be the base for the puzzle map/key to be produced with computer generated numbers representing the frontside exact location of the puzzle pieces as depicted on the Puzzle Map/key 14. The shapes on this shapes grid 30 are an exact match to the shape and location of each of the shapes 3 contained on the front of the puzzle 4 which is being resolved.

FIG. 1H—Shown is the front of the puzzle grid of numbered cells 31 consisting of numbers 32 in cells 33 matching the area of the size of the puzzle pieces, that will be copied onto the shapes grid of the front of the puzzle 30 and which will comprise the document being the Puzzle Map/key 34. In this example, the sizes of the cells 33 of the grid 31 for the front of the puzzle depiction or puzzle map/key are identical to the sizes of cells within the grid of numbers for the back of the puzzle 20; however, the numbers 32 in the grid of cells 31, are different in location from the numbers 25 on the back-of-the-puzzle grid 20. The numbers in the front-of-the-puzzle cell grid 31 are in descending order starting from the left top corner 9.8.7.6.5.4.3.2.1. as opposed to the back of the puzzle cells grid numbers 20 which have the numbers from the left top corner as being 1.2.3.4.5.6.7.8.9.

FIG. 1(I)—Shown is the Puzzle Map/key 34, which is the result of having the grid of front-of-the-puzzle numbers 31 placed upon the front of the puzzle shapes grid 30 for a depiction of shapes and numbers on a document, the Puzzle Map/key, that presents the solution for the resolution of the puzzle #1 (4). In viewing the Puzzle Map/key document 34 it is pointed out that the number #4 puzzle piece 36 of the Map/key 34, is the same shape but in a different location as its corresponding #4 piece 28 on the back-of-the-puzzle grid 26; and that same piece #4 on the Puzzle/key 36 corresponds exactly to its shape and location 3 on the front plane of the puzzle #1 (4) being resolved. For example, to place the puzzle piece which has the #6 on its backside, one could easily find its puzzle piece location on the Map/key 34 by locating the number #6 (35), the location being fourth from the top left corner, and then proceeding to place this puzzle piece #6 (35) in its corresponding location on the front of the puzzle puzzle 4 for which the Map is devised, being fourth from the top left corner 2. This holds true for every other puzzle piece needing to be placed in its proper location, which can be determined by looking at the number on the back of the piece needing to be placed and then finding its match on the Puzzle Map/key, which will determine the exact location of its placement on the puzzle to be resolved. This is the mechanism that enables the consumer to determine the location of any puzzle piece in hand to be placed into a puzzle in its exactly correct location with the assistance of the puzzle map/key.

Puzzle #2, 100 pieces, from die pattern taken from the backside of a puzzle die stencil. Source: Poorman, J Kevin, “Start Your Own Puzzle Business,” Copyright ISBN-13:978-1541033580, 2017, p. 20.

FIG. 2A—Shown is a depiction of a back-of-the-puzzle numbered grid 38 representing the shapes of the 100 pieces 41 comprising Puzzle #2, sourced from the backside of a die stencil 39 used to cut the puzzle into its 100 pieces. Once the stencil grid pattern is copied and drawn, an identifying number 40 is inscribed in the center of each puzzle piece 41. This number represents the number to be inscribed on the back surface of each puzzle piece 41, and in this case all piece numbers are organized in a serial pattern so that every puzzle piece has a different number in a recognized order. The numbered pieces 41, when combined to represent the total puzzle, form a grid of back-of-the-puzzle numbers 38. The backside of each puzzle piece 42 on this grid 38 is a depiction of the front side or picture plane of the puzzle #2. A copy of the grid of numbers fitted to the exact size of the puzzle is placed onto a document which is then sealed over the uncut puzzle on the bottom side of the puzzle plane. The topside plane of that uncut puzzle will be sealed with the picture of the puzzle, in preparation for the cutting of the puzzle into 100 pieces. When cut into pieces, each piece will have a portion of the puzzle picture on its topside and an identifying number on its backside. The diagram of the back-of-the-puzzle numbered pieces 38, represents the view of the puzzle on its bottom side, in the short time after it is pressed into pieces by the die press and before it is separated into puzzle pieces and packaged for inclusion in the puzzle box.

FIG. 2B—Shown is a depiction of a Puzzle Map/key 46 drawn from a die pattern of the die 38 on its frontside, used for cutting puzzle pieces with a slightly different grid pattern from Puzzle #1 (4). Each puzzle piece 47 represents a frontside portion of the puzzle and when connected together comprises a front-of-the-puzzle depiction of the puzzle pieces, on a document that serves as a Puzzle Map/key. The map/key 46 is a separate document, which in this example is an image of all of the pieces of the complete puzzle on its front picture side, an exact likeness of the shapes and location of pieces on the front of the puzzle. Each piece on the map/key 46 is identified by the number 45 inscribed on the back of the puzzle piece, which on the puzzle map/key, will show its exact location on the puzzle to be resolved. For example if one is looking for the match to a piece with the #4 on its back, then one need only look for #4 (45) on the puzzle map/key and immediately see the same and correct location of that piece on the puzzle, since the puzzle and the puzzle map/key both display a front-of-the puzzle view of each puzzle piece.

FIG. 2C—Shown is the back-of-the-puzzle grid 48 displaying a partially-random numbered block representation of the puzzle shapes pattern 38 for Puzzle #2. Each block 50 a is the back-side of the puzzle piece with an identifying number inscribed in the center 49; the reverse side of each puzzle piece is the picture side or front of the #74 piece plane 50 b, and all 100 blocks are joined to represent a grid 48 that corresponds to the sizes of the pieces included in the back-of-the-puzzle grid 38. The numbers are ordered in a partially random sequence, because the numbers in the first row 51 starting with the #71 and ending with #80 (51) are ordered from left to right in an ascending serial arrangement; and the numbers in the column 52 starting with the #71 at the top to the bottom, ending with #61 (52) are randomly presented, with the starting numbers of each row randomly ordered. This arrangement provides some ease to the puzzler in finding the matching number for any puzzle by recognizing the row sequence; however, because the starting column is numbered randomly, it is more difficult to predict the exact location of a puzzle piece without referencing the puzzle map/key. These variations enable the puzzle map/keys to have a variety of schemes that can be applied to challenge the consumer, more or less. While the blocks clarify the actual block measurements that determine the computer sizes into which the numbers 49 will be centered, the actual pattern of the grid 48 as it is sealed onto the back of the puzzle before cutting, is applied without the grid lines onto the corresponding back plane of the puzzle.

2D—Shown is the Puzzle Map/key grid 53 that is in block form, corresponding to the partial random back-of-the-puzzle scheme 48. Each puzzle piece 54 representation connected to its matching pieces on the front side 55, comprises the frontside or picture side plane 53 of the 100-piece Puzzle #2 and is shown as it would appear on a separate puzzle map/key document. Each number 56 on the Map/key (53) depicts the number on the backside of the puzzle piece which will fit into its exact same location on the puzzle to be solved. For example, when viewed on the back-of-the-puzzle grid 48, #79 (57) is located on the top row on the right side of the puzzle just left of the right corner piece #80 (59). When viewed on the Puzzle Map/key grid 53, the piece #79 (56) is located on the top row on the left side of the puzzle map/key, just right of the top left corner piece #80 (58). The dichotomy of the positioning of the piece on the two grids is easily understood, when considering that a front side view of the puzzle pieces can be accomplished by arranging the back-of-the-puzzle numbers in an opposing or mirror image order and placing that mirror image order of numbers on the front of the puzzle map/key. The result is that when solving the puzzle for the puzzle piece in hand, numbered #79 (56) on its backside, the piece will be found exactly in the top left side of the puzzle, just right of the top corner piece #80 (58), in exactly the same location as pictured on the Puzzle Map/key 53. In the puzzle map grid with shapes 46, its exact location 56 would be where the #9 is located in another numbers scheme. Therefore, the Puzzle Map is truly a key to finding the exact location of any piece in hand by matching the number on the back of the puzzle piece to the number on the Puzzle Map, thereby showing one the exact position of the piece on the puzzle to be completed.

FIG. 2E—Shown is the back-of-the-puzzle block grid 59 inscribed with fully random numbers on the back of each puzzle piece 65 with the opposite side of each piece as in #56 (66) comprising a part of the front plane of the puzzle. The numbers have no sequential order and their positioning within each block can differ e.g., right side up 60, facing down 61, tilted right 62, facing up 63, tilting left 64, upside down, etc., The numbers are in random order and in no predictable position, so that the back-of-the-puzzle numbers provide no hints or assistance in placement of the puzzle pieces; some may choose to have assistance from map/key only when it is referenced to resolve difficult connections. The numbers or symbols on the back are a source of puzzle search assistance. Looking at the back of the puzzle numbers, with numbers placed right side up on all pieces, one can detect the top and bottom direction of the puzzle piece, as well as their location in noticing their number in an ordered serial scheme. A fully random number scheme for the back of the puzzle will provide the least assistance in the puzzle completion process; it will provide no position or serial sequence assistance unless one refers to the map/key. Looking at the number placement on the back of the puzzle piece, is an optional consideration for search assistance because the usual puzzle completion procedure starts with placing all pieces on their picture-side and making the connection of each piece from there. Even without the assistance of the back-of-the-puzzle numbers, the map/key with random numbers and/or random positions, will still provide the exact location of any puzzle piece if referenced to the map/key, which can verify correct placement of any piece if needed. Understanding the random or ordered nature of the numbers that can be inscribed on the back of the puzzle is a means to control the amount of assistance to be provided in the puzzle completion process and the puzzle map/key can have varied number orders and positions accordingly.

FIG. 2F—Shown corresponding to the grid 59 in FIG. 2E, is the front-of-the-puzzle depiction of the fully random grid of numbers that comprises the scheme of the Puzzle Map/key document 67. As illustrated, the numbers are in upright positions and centered 68, as they are in all the piece representations 69. The purpose of the puzzle map/key, for all map/keys, is to enable one to find for any puzzle piece in hand, its exact location on the puzzle to be solved, by means of the Puzzle Map/key; therefore, the depiction of the puzzle numbers 68 as they appear in the puzzle piece or block 69, needs no shape or positioning schemes, to achieve that purpose. The intent of the random positioning on the backsides of the puzzle pieces is to give the least assistance through the arrangement of numbers on the pieces in hand which are evident and otherwise provided by the ordered positioning and serial arrangements on the puzzle piece backs. The map/key with all its numbers in the upright position is sufficient in providing one with the assistance in finding the location of each puzzle piece.

Puzzle #3, 12″×18″ Size, 200-Piece Puzzle. Source of Puzzle Shapes and Pattern from Mudpuppy, ISBN: 978-0-7353-3937-8.

FIG. 3A—Shown is the back-of-the-puzzle numbers grid 73 for the 200-piece Puzzle #3. This grid can be manufactured to be applied to puzzles in various manners; however, in this presentment it is conceived of as a document. In document form, the use of the grid is shown to be amenable to the production of puzzles in the same manner as pictures are applied to every puzzle in the production process. Each number on this grid 74 is placed in the center of the space of the corresponding puzzle piece which it represents. Depiction of the grid 73 is with no grid lines and represents its appearance as it is sealed onto the bottom planar puzzle surface prior to the puzzle being cut into 200 pieces. The picture of the puzzle will be sealed on the top planar surface of the cardboard or other material comprising the puzzle. The back of the puzzle grid document will be sealed on the bottomside of that same material on which the picture is applied.

FIG. 3B—Shown is a portion of an actual size grid block 75 of a 12″ by 18″ 200-piece puzzle #3, comprised of thirty of the back-of-the-puzzle numbers 76 in blocks 77 representing puzzle pieces at the top left corner of the back-of-the-puzzle numbers grid 73 beginning with the piece #1. The pictured numbered blocks 77 are the actual size of the puzzle pieces. The measurement of the puzzle pieces is shown as being 0.90″ ( 9/10″) in width and 1.2″ in height.

Multiplying each measurement by the number of pieces 0.90″×(20 pieces across)=18″ and 1.2″×(10 pieces down)=12″. All 200 blocks in this grid would display the actual size of the 18″×12″ puzzle. One can divide the length across the puzzle (18″) by the number of puzzle pieces (20) and obtain the same result, 0.90″; then divide the height of the puzzle (12″) by the number of puzzle pieces contained in the vertical height (10) to obtain again the same result, 1.2″. This is another method of obtaining and/or verifying actual puzzle piece sizes that form the basis of the back-of-the puzzle measurements to produce the back-of-the-puzzle grids.

The methods explained to determine cell size are necessary in providing a grid of back-of the puzzle #s representing all the cells. The shape of every cell is different with the shapes protruding outward or inward on all sides of the puzzle piece; therefore measuring one puzzle piece will not necessarily coincide with the measurements of the other cells, some seeming larger, smaller, shorter or taller. So the measurement of any cell should be based on a group of cells calculating their size from the average of the group. This is taken into consideration in measuring cell sizes in the two examples given, i.e., (1) being patterned from the actual die pattern or (2) calculating the sizes by the number of pieces.

FIG. 3C—Shown is a front-of-the-puzzle grid of the piece representations 80 when joined together, forming a Puzzle Map/key 78 for the 200-piece puzzle #3. The number #15 block 79 on the puzzle map/key 78 is located on the top row, 6th from the upper left corner of the Map/key 78 and also indicates the exact location of the piece in its exact location on the puzzle being completed 81. One can see the opposite location of this number t #15 piece 79 on the back-of-the-puzzle grid 73, being sixth from the left on the upper right corner on the top row. This dichotomy is due to the fact that the back of the puzzle 73 on its flip side 72, is the front of the puzzle and the location of the #15 piece (79) on the Puzzle Map/key 78 is shown as it appears on the flipped side, or frontside of the puzzle plane 72. On the Map/key 78, the block #17 (80) is positioned in the top row fourth from the left corner on the Puzzle Map/key 78, which is a front side view of the puzzle. Again, the #17 location 80 on the back-of-the-puzzle grid 73 is in an opposite location in the same row being 4th from the top right corner of the back-of-the-puzzle grid 73. This block presentation 78 is a scheme sufficient to target the exact locations of the pieces of the puzzle being completed and to serve as a puzzle map/key. The puzzle map/key presented is a document in itself and does not have to be of the exact size of the puzzle and only large enough to easily distinguish the identifying symbols and/or shapes on its front. While this is simpler to produce than a map/key with shapes, it provides sufficient, but not maximum search assistance in the corresponding shape structures because it is in block form.

FIG. 3D—Shown is a computer numbered Puzzle Map/key 81 composed of all piece representations 80 of the 200 piece puzzle #3 in the same location and shapes as the pieces on the frontside plane of the puzzle. Each puzzle piece representation 82 has a number 83 identifying its unique location in the puzzle, and also in the Map/key on which it is located. Every puzzle piece 80 on the Puzzle Map/key 81 is uniquely identified by a number 83, which corresponds exactly to the number inscribed on the back of the puzzle piece. There is no backside since this puzzle map/key is on a single sheet of paper; its use provides the key to the exact location of the puzzle and the connecting pieces e.g., piece #8 (83) being the #9 piece 82 on its left side, or the #28 piece 86 on its bottom side, or the #7 piece 85 on its right side. The same dichotomy of the puzzle map/key grid 81 in relation to the arrangement of numbers on the back-of-the-puzzle grid 73 is viewed in noticing the location of the number #1 piece 84 on the Puzzle Map key 81 located on the far right corner on the map/key and in its location on the back-of-the-puzzle grid 73, where the #1 piece 84 is in the far left corner of the grid 73. This dichotomy enables the placement of the numbers on the back of the puzzle piece, as placed on the map/key, to match its exact location on the front of the puzzle being resolved. This is true for all the pieces of the puzzle as can be observed in the opposing locations of puzzle pieces #17 (80) and #15 (79) which are located on the left top section of the map/key 81 as opposed to their locations on the back of the puzzle grid 73 where they are on the rightside of the top row. This Puzzle Map/key 81 is presented with a serial number arrangement within the corresponding shapes of the puzzle; therefore, it provides search assistance in the numbers/symbols match on the back of the puzzle, the front side up location of the puzzle piece in hand, the serial location of the numbered pieces, and the matching shapes of the puzzle at hand as well as of its connecting pieces.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The Puzzle map solution conceives a method to achieve the completion or solution of any two dimensional jigsaw through the preferred embodiment of the Puzzle Map/key. The map/key is a separate document accompanying the puzzle being resolved, and provides the puzzler with the information needed to determine the exact location of any piece within the puzzle. The map/key document consists of a frontside representation of all the puzzle pieces in their respective places in a completed puzzle, identifying each puzzle piece representation by its backside number. By viewing the location of the number on the map/key which corresponds to its exact location on the puzzle being resolved, one can easily find the exact location of any piece in the puzzle at hand.

The puzzle map/keys shown in the drawings have been created as follows:

-   -   1. By hand:         -   a. The first step is to have in hand a complete puzzle with             all pieces in place as in FIG. 1A, which is the “front of             the puzzle”. The picture-side is the front of the puzzle, as             stated throughout this application. Placing the numbers on             the back of each piece must be completed first, so the             puzzle must be placed on its backside for numbering, and             numbers entered on each piece as in FIG. 1B.         -   b. To create the puzzle map/key, which is a picture of the             front of the puzzle, not the back, the numbers on the puzzle             map/key must identify the location of each piece. The             identification of each piece is contained in the number on             the back of each puzzle piece; therefore, that identifying             number on the back of each puzzle piece is displayed on the             front of the puzzle piece for all pieces contained in the             puzzle map/key. To enable a frontside view of the puzzle on             the puzzle map/key, with the corresponding             back-of-the-puzzle numbers shown correctly to reflect their             position on the frontside map plane, the numbers to be             entered on the puzzle map/key depicting the numbers on the             backside of the puzzle pieces shown in FIG. 1B, must be             ordered on each line, in reverse direction or in a mirror             image arrangement for placement on the Puzzle Map/key shown             on FIG. 1C.     -   2. By computer: Computerized numbering of puzzle pieces is more         legible, easier and faster, so there is a progression in the         drawings (for puzzles #1-3) that are illustrated with         computerized grids of #s both for the back-of-the-puzzle and         puzzle map/keys.         -   a. The computerized numbers for the back of the puzzle plane             must comprise a grid which fits the exact size and location             of the pieces on the back of the puzzle. This is necessary             because the computerized grid, in document form, must be             applied to the back of the puzzle and sealed so that all             puzzle pieces that are produced when puzzles are cut and             pressed, have the number on the back of each puzzle piece.             FIGS. 1E, 1F,2A, 2C,2E, and 3A show back-of-the-puzzle             number grids generated by the computer.         -   b. The puzzle map/keys or front-of-the-puzzle grids that are             numbered by computer are shown in FIGS. 1H, 1(i), 2B, 2D,             2F,3C, and 3D. The map/keys are a depiction of the front of             the puzzle picture, and can be followed to assist the             puzzler in placing puzzle pieces in the correct location by             looking on the back of the puzzle piece to find the             corresponding matching number on the map/key. Each number on             the back of the puzzle piece can be paired to its same             number on the puzzle map/key which is a depiction of the             back-of-the-puzzle numbers in their proper and exact             location on both the puzzle map/key and on the front of the             puzzle. The puzzle map/key is a separate document that can             now be used as needed and wanted, to assist any puzzler in             the process of placing difficult pieces, thus serving as a             major or minor factor in the completion of a puzzle,             depending on how often the map is referenced by the puzzler.         -   c. Having consecutive or randomly placed numbers on the             backsides of the puzzle pieces is the next consideration.             There are several levels of puzzle map/key assistance that             differ according to the placement and order of the numbers             on the grid for the back of the puzzle, which determines the             grid for the Puzzle Map. There are levels of assistance that             can be provided by the maps, changing the construction of             the order and placement of the numbers depending on the             following variations:             -   (1.) Variable 1: Numbers are ordered consecutively as in                 Puzzles #1, #2, and #3 (FIGS. 1(i), 2B, 3C, and 3D) This                 simplifies searching for puzzle pieces on the map. The                 piece placement would be able to be determined by                 deciphering the order of the numbers on the map and                 determining the location of the piece. Ordered numbers                 may be easier to manufacture as the pieces would be                 predictably in order and easier to number in placing the                 numbers on the back-side in reverse order of the puzzle                 map/keys, for production of the maps and puzzle grids.                 The general region in which the puzzle piece can be                 located on the puzzle would be easier to find, e.g.,                 smaller numbers on the top and larger numbers on the                 bottom.             -   (2.) Variable 2: Numbering the backside pieces randomly                 would serve the purpose of not providing the solution so                 simply, but still containing the correct answer as to                 whether any piece to be matched is in its correct                 placement. Levels of random numbering are shown in the                 back-of-the-puzzle grids in FIGS. 2C and 2E and the                 puzzle map/keys in FIGS. 2D and 2F. Partially random:                 FIGS. 2C and 2D contain random numbers but each row has                 consecutive numbers. The advantage to this partial                 random configuration is that it is random, but will                 provide some assistance in locating the correct piece on                 the puzzle map through a partial serial sequence and                 upright positioning of the number. Fully random: FIGS.                 2E and 2F illustrate a puzzle map/key which contains                 fully random numbers and provides no assistance in                 puzzle position, numbering order, or shapes. Master                 puzzlers may prefer this option because the numbers on                 the back will provide no assistance in puzzle placement.                 The solution will be provided, but need not be used, so                 the puzzler is in full control. The numbers on the                 backsides would be useful only when the map/key is                 called into service.             -   (3.) Variable 3: Placing all the numbers in a straight                 vertical position is a beneficial factor. The numbers on                 the back of the puzzle can then be used to determine the                 proper direction of the piece, i.e., one would know                 which part of the piece is the topside and which is the                 bottom, therefore knowing the left side and the right                 side of the piece in the scheme of the puzzle. It is a                 major assistance to know in which direction (upside or                 downside) each puzzle piece should lie. Random placement                 of the numbers (i.e., left-side on top, upside down,                 right-side on top, leaning right or left, etc) of each                 piece, is also possible and would eliminate the                 assistance to be provided by placing the numbers                 upright. FIG. 2E clearly illustrates this fully random                 positioning; notice that the corresponding puzzle                 map/key (FIG. 2F), needs only the upright numbers to be                 complete.             -   (4.) Variable 4: Having the shapes of the map pieces to                 conform to the pieces on the puzzle front, is also                 another consideration. Seeing the like shapes on the                 map, with the piece one is placing on the puzzle is a                 major assistance. A simple grid comprised of numbered                 blocks is also a possibility for a puzzle map/key with                 the map assisting in placement without the assistance of                 congruent shapes. (See Maps 2D, 2F and 3C).         -   c. (continued). The Puzzle Map benefits are most             accomplished, by having pieces consecutively numbered,             numbered in an upright position, and having the same shapes             as the puzzle pieces being located. Recognizing the             different levels of assistance that can be derived from             puzzle map/keys is useful for the production of maps/keys.             The variables give the manufacturer of the puzzles, control             over the level of assistance to be provided and therefore,             some advantage in catering to a select population of             puzzlers, who have different expectations and desires in             being assisted.

The Puzzle Map/Key Conforms to the Manufacturing of Puzzles in Two Stages in this Example Referring to Standard Picture Puzzle Production as Follows:

Stage 1—Producing a back-of-the-puzzle grid of numbers: This grid is an apparatus depicting the entire surface of the back of a puzzle, which is composed of cells representing all the pieces in that puzzle, inscribed with numbers enabling each puzzle piece to be identified with a unique number. The grid is conceived in this presentment as being in document form to comply with major methods of puzzle production in which the grid document is sealed onto the puzzle plane before cutting. The grid document is prepared for computer numbering by determining the grid pattern based on the size and location of each puzzle piece on the back of the puzzle. Each grid cell space represents one puzzle piece and must conform exactly to the size and positioning of every puzzle piece represented. The whole grid must be constructed to be the same size as the puzzle, with the numbers to be filled in by computer in the cell space of every piece, preferably in the center.

One way to produce this grid is to copy the die pattern and use that pattern to compile the numbers grid document as is shown in FIG. 2A. The resulting back-of-the-puzzle grid document is sealed onto the back-of-the-puzzle that is in one piece before being prepared for cutting. The grid with the numbers only, as in FIG. 3A, is the appearance of the back-of-the-puzzle grid document that is to be sealed onto the backside of the puzzle board before it is cut and pressed into puzzle pieces, with the picture sealed on the frontside of that same puzzle board.

Many, if not most, of the puzzles produced have puzzle pieces that are in a symmetrical and predictable pattern, and they are in rows and columns of the same size, although they differ in shapes. This symmetry is the basis for another way to create back-of-the puzzle grids—by the process of calculation. First, determine the exact size for one cell of the grid, as in shown in FIG. 3B. FIG. 3B is an actual size grid which is a partial picture of the total back-of-the-puzzle grid for the 200-piece puzzle #3 represented in FIG. 3A. If printed as a whole with all 200 pieces, it would measure 12″×18″. Each cell or puzzle piece measures 1.2 inches in height and 0.90 inches in width. Devise a computer grid of cells of that determined size by placing the same number of cells in the grid, as are on the puzzle. Numbering the back of the puzzle is as simple as filling the cells with numbers in the center of each cell. Each cell corresponds to the puzzle piece it represents, in size and its location in the puzzle. Determining the measurements of one of the pieces enables the configuration of the total back-of-the-puzzle grid since the cells or puzzle pieces are basically the same size and in a symmetrical pattern. Progression of the process to finished numbered back-of-the-puzzle grid is shown by FIGS. 1D,1E, and 1F.

FIGS. 1E,1F,2A,2C, 2E and 3A show the back-of-the-puzzle grids for puzzle with numbers located at the center of the cell space for each puzzle piece. Placing the grid of numbers on the back of the puzzle is the next step, to be accomplished in the manufacturing process that produces puzzles. Starting with a plain puzzle board, one regular process involves a sealer (which seals the picture onto the board material), a sharp die (which is the stencil and cutter for the pieces) and a die press (that produces the pressure for the die to cut the puzzle pieces in the shape of the die. The back-of-the-puzzle grid document, which contains the backside numbers of all the pieces, is sealed onto the puzzle on its bottom-side in the same stage as the picture is applied to the topside of the puzzle. This additional action enables a mass production of puzzles with numbers on their back sides. The result is the production of puzzles with each piece having a picture on the front and also an identifying number on the back of the puzzle. The connection to the puzzle map/key is complete. Considering that the dies that determine the shape, size and placement of the puzzle pieces are used to produce thousands of different puzzles, the back-of-the puzzle grid can be utilized for as many puzzles as can be produced by one die pattern.

Stage 2—Producing the Map/Key:

The puzzle map/key, a separate document from the puzzle and the preferred embodiment of the method presented herein for the resolution of jigsaw puzzles, is a reproduction of the puzzle pieces or piece representations on its front or picture side with or without the front-of-the-puzzle picture as a background. This map/key can be accomplished by copying the shape of the die on the reverse side of the back-of-the-puzzle die pattern, and then producing the map/key by inserting on each piece the same numbers that are on the back of the puzzle as shown in FIG. 2B. However, these map/key numbers must be in reverse order of numbers on the back, because when looking at the numbers on the back of the puzzle, they are in reverse order of the puzzle map pieces, when one views the front of the puzzle or front of the map/key. (see FIG. 2B, the number arrangement of the Map Key as compared to the opposing numbers on the back-of-the-puzzle grid on FIG. 2A) One can picture a mirror image of the back-of-the-puzzle grid. If the numbers from left to right on the back of the puzzle are ascending, then the mirror image of the map/key numbers would have those same numbers in descending order. The same grids which are produced for the back of the puzzle are used for the map/key grid; but the numbers and shapes for the map/key must be in reverse order or mirror image order, from the back-of-the-puzzle grid. The progression from back-of-the-puzzle shapes grid to front-of-the-puzzle map/key is illustrated by FIGS. 1D,1E,1F,1G,1H, and 1(i).

The puzzle map/key is easier to produce than the back-of-the-puzzle grid, because it does not have to conform to the exact size of the actual puzzle pieces, as the back-of-the-puzzle grid does. The map/key can be presented in block form as in FIG. 3C or can be presented in the puzzle shapes as in FIGS. 1C,1(i), 2B, and 3D. The map/key requires only legible numbers and clear shape representations for the puzzle pieces and can be any size that is convenient to use on the part of the consumer. Having the map/key conform exactly to the size of the finished puzzle is not necessary and in many cases would make the map/key too large. The map/key can be subject to artistic color and designs on the border or can have the actual puzzle picture as a background and is open to creative touches that make the map/key an attractive addition.

Accessibility—The map/keys can be made available by including them in the puzzle box which contains the puzzle pieces. They can be offered as an extra bonus to puzzlers and pose a unique opportunity to sell more puzzles, with the idea that the maps can make puzzles more attractive, easier to finish, and more fun to enjoy with friends and family. The map/key can be made available through other mediums, including mail, phone, or computer; however, the inclusion in the same container as the puzzle is the most convenient mode of transmission and can respond to the marketing on the puzzle box immediately.

The puzzle map/key can be transmitted through the computer by including a code which uniquely connects the consumer to the puzzle map on a puzzle web site. Advantages of this code transmission include more use by consumers of the websites that promote puzzle sales, security of ownership for buyers and sellers of puzzle map/keys, and more exposure of consumers to the benefits of marketing efforts and information on the array and availability of puzzles. 

1-3. (canceled) 4- Claiming a method of jigsaw puzzle resolution that is accomplished by the apparatus of a puzzle map/key conceived for the purpose of providing a solution for the completion of jigsaw puzzles 5- Claiming a method to produce Puzzle Map Keys to be utilized in the manufacturing process to produce puzzles 6- Claiming the apparatus of a back-of the-puzzle grid of symbols or numbers in its use as a key component of the Puzzle Map Key 